Content available exclusively for subscribers
Is this truly going to make much of a difference?
Talking about this big narrative in the off-season that Jets head coach Robert Saleh is going to get more involved in the offense this year.
Well, first of all the head coach should always have some input on offense.
The head coach should have input on all three phases – offense, defense and special teams.
That’s his job, to oversee it all. Right?
That doesn’t mean micromanaging, but just like a head coach will decide whether to go for an on-side kick on special teams, if a team is too pass-happy with a lead, then the head coach should tell the OC to “run the damn ball more.”
But this idea this year that Saleh needs to get more involved in the offense this year because the team struggled in that area last year, is perhaps a cookbook answer to a problem.
The problem last year was not having a veteran backup QB to Aaron Rodgers. Let’s say Saleh got more involved last year, what difference would that have made, with Zach Wilson at QB, who should have been put on ice last year to fix his mechanics, and let him learn the system, and not be a snap away from playing.
This whole thing seems an initiative to assuage the owner, who said in February, “[Saleh] is going to be a lot better head coach. One thing about head coaches is you get better as you get more experience. He is going to concentrate on offense. He has [defensive coordinator] Jeff [Ulbrich] to do the defense. We have good special teams. It’s offense, offense, offense. Get the quarterback moving. Get the line moving. Work on the run and do all that you have to do to win. You can’t do one thing you have to do it all. It’s not just one player.”
So after this quote, Saleh has been sitting in a lot of offensive meetings.
But Saleh kind of admitted his offensive involvement on game days is going to be very limited.
“With regards to style of play, but as far as like a specific play, I don’t envision ever being somebody who’s going to mandate a specific thing, they’ve got a vision of what they’re trying to accomplish on that side of the ball, and we have a style that we’re trying to accomplish as a team,” Saleh said. “That part, I’ll always be vocal on, but at the same time, I’ll have suggestions just like any other head coach, but if I feel convicted, obviously, but I don’t envision any of that happening in the near future.”
Not even sure Saleh thinks this is necessary, but when the boss thinks it’s necessary, you do it.
But this is Aaron Rodgers’ offense. Four-time NFL MVP. Nathaniel Hackett calls the play, Rodgers goes to the line and makes adjustments based on what he sees from the defense, and often calls audibles.
So what exactly is Saleh really going to do to fix the offense from last year?
Probably, not much.
Rodgers should fix it.
June 10, 2024
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on (or sooner) on Tuesday.
